Gliclazide

Question 1

What class of drugs is Gliclazide?

Answer 1

Sulfonylurea (SU)

Question 2

What are the common indications of Gliclazide?

Answer 2

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Typically used in combination with other agents or as a first line if Metformin is contraindicated

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Gliclazide?

Answer 3

It stimulates beta-cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin by blocking ATP-dependent K+ channels

You need some pancreatic function for it to work

Weight gain via anabolic effects of insulin

Question 4

What are the common adverse drug reactions of Gliclazide?

Answer 4

• Mild GI upset - nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea

* Hypoglycaemia (as the drug continues to work at low glucose levels)

Question 5

What are the common drug-drug interactions of Gliclazide?

Answer 5

• Other hypoglycaemic agents

* Drugs that increase glucose so reduce it’s action - loop and thiazide like diuretics